Emotional Difficulties

Emotional difficulties can affect every area of life — from relationships and work to self-esteem and wellbeing. These challenges often involve persistent emotional distress, difficulty managing feelings, or coping with stress, anxiety, or low mood.

At Head Start Counselling & Psychology, we support adults in navigating emotional struggles through compassionate, evidence-based therapy.

What Causes Emotional Difficulties?

Emotional challenges may stem from a combination of factors, including:

• Childhood experiences such as trauma, neglect, or attachment disruptions
• Genetic or neurological factors that affect emotional regulation
• Stressful life events, relationship breakdowns, or chronic illness
• Ongoing psychological stress, burnout, or unresolved conflict

Common Signs and Symptoms

Emotional difficulties can look different for everyone, but may include:

• Persistent sadness or emotional numbness
• Mood swings or emotional reactivity
• Chronic anxiety, worry, or panic
• Feeling detached or dissociated
• Sleep issues, fatigue, or appetite changes
• Irritability, agitation, or anger outbursts
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Withdrawing from social contact or activities
• Engaging in risky or uncharacteristic behaviours
• Low self-worth or excessive guilt
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide (seek immediate help via 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14)

Who Is Affected?

Emotional difficulties can affect anyone — regardless of age, gender, or background.

They are more likely to occur in individuals facing:

• Ongoing stress or trauma
• Life transitions (e.g. separation, illness, job loss)
• Relationship challenges
• A personal or family history of mental health concerns

How to Manage Emotional Difficulties

Recovery starts with recognising the need for support. Helpful strategies include:

• Seeking professional support from a registered psychologist or counsellor
• Building a support system of trusted friends, family, or community
• Engaging in self-care — sleep, movement, nutrition, and rest
• Using stress management tools such as mindfulness, journalling, or breathing techniques

How Therapy Helps

Our psychologists and counsellors offer a non-judgemental space to:

• Explore the roots of emotional distress
• Understand thought and behaviour patterns
• Build emotional regulation and resilience
• Learn healthy coping strategies
• Reconnect with personal values and goals

We use a range of evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness approaches, and interpersonal therapy.